The Ultimate Summer Bucket List: Local Edition

I know you've probably seen the summer bucket list trending on TikTok, and that’s exactly what my friends and I created this summer. We are determined to complete this list, so please join me as I document our attempt at a very successful summer! I’m going to try to review and write about our experience doing these things and going to these places, so you can hold me accountable!

I love organizing lists, so I split our bucket list into three categories: At-Home Activities, Local Activities (around the Durham Region), and finally, Far-Away Activities (past Pickering). So let’s get started! This article will include the first two categories, and the next will be all about the farther-away adventures — so stay tuned, guys!

Part 1: At Home Activities

1. Movie Night

This one could be your typical at-home movie night, but we wanted to put a fun twist on it! We’re using my trampoline, a projector, cozy blankets, fairy lights, popcorn, and all the yummy snacks to make it extra special.

Source: SpringFree Trampoline 

2. Game Night 

A classic, but always so much fun. (Plus it’s not expensive, so that’s a win.) Monopoly, card games, and of course, good pizza.

3. Baking Day 

Have a little competition with your friends and make some yummy desserts to share with family and friends. Cute packaging is a major bonus when handing them out 😋

4. PowerPoint/Jeopardy Night 

I am so excited for this one! You’ve probably seen the PowerPoint nights trending on TikTok, and we decided to put our own twist on it. One of our friends is going to make a Jeopardy-style game with questions all about each other. Think: a screenshot of a message with the prompt “Who sent this to me?” featuring unhinged texts and questions about random funny stories. It’s a recipe for a great night!

Here are some ideas for PowerPoint Night:

1. A deep analysis of everyone’s most toxic trait (lovingly)

2. Who would survive the longest in a zombie apocalypse — and exactly how they'd die

3. What would land each of us in jail

4. Casting each friend as characters in a TV show or movie (e.g., Bridgerton, Grey’s Anatomy)

5. Unpopular opinions that would start a war in this room

Source: Parade

5. Painting Night 

There are so many things you can do with this one. You could paint tote bags, wine glasses, candles, shirts, or just the classic canvas. 

Source: Hart House

6. Host a Fancy Dinner Night 

This is the perfect time to get all your friends to dress up and host a fancy dinner party. I love hosting and making things aesthetic, so this is going to be so much fun for me. It’s also the perfect excuse to finally wear that dress I bought but had no idea where I was going to wear it!

Source: Rosenthal

Part 2: Local Activities 

 1. Rock Climbing 

If you’re looking for something a little more active (and let’s be real, out of your comfort zone), rock climbing can be so much fun. There is a place close by in Whitby called Aspire Climbing Whitby.

2. Archery 

We really wanted to try something new, and Archery is the perfect thing! Archers Battlefield is a place in Pickering that we wanted to check out!

3. Escape Room 

This is great because it also gets your brain going, sometimes it can also be scary, and I mean REALLY scary, like once I went to one with a live actor and my sister legit walked out! There is one in Whitby: Durham Escape Rooms and Ajax: Trapped